Effects of the German organ transplant scandal 2012 on the tissue donation project of the Institute of Legal Medicine Munich A retrospective evaluation of informed consent for tissue donation given by the next of kin
Bender-Säbelkampf S, Troschuetz S, Graw M, Braun C (2022)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
Journal
DOI: 10.1007/s00194-022-00578-w
Abstract
Background The German organ donation scandal in 2012 led to a dramatic drop in consent rates. With 51 musculoskeletal, 145 corneal and 38 heart valve donations in 2013-2015, the Institute of Legal Medicine Munich procured a sizeable quantity of donated tissues performed in southern Germany. Objective The main goal of this study was to identify any traceable decrease in donations and the role the interview with the next of kin of tissue donors played in this context. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed our donor database from July 2012 to December 2015 concerning discussions about and/or a stated effect of the scandal on the decision to consent to donation. We also contacted the next of kin within 1 year after the donation for a retrospective evaluation using a questionnaire consisting of 9 items. Results For a total of 388 potential donors consent was given in 54.9%. In 40 cases, the scandal was a topic of discussion and in 15 cases resulted in refusal. Among these, 6 persons destroyed their donor card in light of the scandal. After a thorough discussion, a tissue donation was finally allowed in 4 of these 6 cases. A total of 142 consenting next of kin retrospectively evaluated the primary contact as positive and meaningful. The decisions were stable in 100% of the cases. Conclusion With overall positive results in the retrospective interview evaluating the donation contact, we conclude that the relatively minor impact of the scandal on tissue donation relies on comprehensive information given by an empathetic, trained tissue coordinator. Active information and transparency about donation processes are key factors to gain the necessary trust of the public.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Bender-Säbelkampf, S., Troschuetz, S., Graw, M., & Braun, C. (2022). Effects of the German organ transplant scandal 2012 on the tissue donation project of the Institute of Legal Medicine Munich A retrospective evaluation of informed consent for tissue donation given by the next of kin. Rechtsmedizin. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00194-022-00578-w
MLA:
Bender-Säbelkampf, Sophia, et al. "Effects of the German organ transplant scandal 2012 on the tissue donation project of the Institute of Legal Medicine Munich A retrospective evaluation of informed consent for tissue donation given by the next of kin." Rechtsmedizin (2022).
BibTeX: Download